Utility rack system and attachments

ABSTRACT

A storage system includes a utility rack having a base frame with a plurality of cross members extending across the base frame and an accessory. The accessory includes at least one attachment device for attaching to at least one of the cross members. The attachment device includes a cross member retainer configured to partially retain a cross member, a hinged brace configured to move between an open position rotated away from the cross member retainer and a closed position rotate towards the cross member retainer and configured to press against the cross member, and a latch configured to lock the hinged brace in the closed position and maintain a pressure of the hinged brace against the cross member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/031,471, entitled “Utility Rack System,” filed on Sep. 19,2013, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to utility racks and morespecifically it relates to a utility rack system and attachments whichmay allow a wide range of attachment functions.

BACKGROUND

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should inno way be considered as an admission that such related art is widelyknown or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Vehicles are commonly used to transport a wide range of materials anddevices to various locations. In many cases, a vehicle may not be suitedto transport the type of devices necessary for some functionality. Forexample, a vehicle may not have the room or capability to transfer anumber of snowboards or other outdoor recreational equipment.

To overcome this limited functionality, there are a number of differentracks which may be purchased and installed on a vehicle for transportingvarious items. However, these racks are generally tailored to be usedwith a specific recreational device. For example, an enthusiast of bothbiking and skiing will often be required to purchase both a bike rackand a ski rack attachment for their vehicle. If that individual wishesto both bike and ski on the same excursion, it is often impossible toinstall both racks on the same vehicle, and thus two vehicles may beneeded.

Because of the inherent problems with the related art, there is a needfor a new and improved utility rack system which may be secured to avehicle to allow attachment of a wide range of items.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a utility rack which includes a base frame, amounting member, an adjustment member, and one or more adjustable legs.The mounting member may be utilized to secure the base frame to avehicle, such as through use of a towing hitch. The base frame ispivotally secured to the mounting member such that it may pivot withrespect thereto. The adjustment member is utilized to adjust and lockthe base frame into various positions with respect to the mountingmember. The adjustable legs may be secured beneath the frame. Thedisclosure also includes a wide range of attachments which may beremovably secured to the base frame for supporting various items.

In a second aspect, an accessory or attachment for a storage system caninclude at least one attachment device for attaching the accessory tothe storage system. The attachment device can include a cross memberretainer configured to partially retain the cross member, a hinged braceconfigured to move between an open position rotated away from the crossmember retainer and a closed position rotate towards the cross memberretainer and configured to press against the at least one cross member,and a latch configured to lock the hinged brace in the closed positionand maintain a pressure of the hinged brace against the at least onecross member.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features inorder that the detailed description thereof may be better understood,and in order that the present contribution to the art may be betterappreciated. There are additional features that will be describedhereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appendedhereto. In this respect, before explaining various embodiments indetail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited inits application to the details of construction or to the arrangements ofthe components set forth in the following description or illustrated inthe drawings. Other embodiments are capable of other embodiments and ofbeing practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to beunderstood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are forthe purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,elements illustrated in the Figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relativeto other elements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the presentdisclosure are shown and described with respect to the drawings herein,in which:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a utility rack installed on apickup truck, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the base frame in a compactedposition, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 3 is an upper perspective view of the base frame in an uprightposition, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the base frame illustrating installation of theleg supports, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view illustrating a first storageattachment being secured to the base frame, in accordance with variousembodiments.

FIG. 6 is an upper perspective view of the first storage attachmentsecured to the base frame, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view illustrating the tray attachmentsecured to the base frame, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating the ski/snowboard retainers securedto the base frame, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 9 is an upper perspective view of a ski/snowboard retainer, inaccordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of a second storage attachment, inaccordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 11 is an upper exploded perspective view of a third storageattachment, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 12 is an upper perspective view of a retention bracket for use withthe bike retainers, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 13 is an upper perspective view illustrating the bike retainers inuse to retain a bike, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 14 is an upper perspective view of an alternate embodiment of thebase frame utilizing a hydraulic adjustment member, in accordance withvarious embodiments.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a first exemplary attachment device inan open position, in accordance to various embodiments.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a second exemplary attachment device inan open position, in accordance to various embodiments.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the first exemplary attachment devicein a closed position, in accordance to various embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the second exemplary attachment devicein a closed position, in accordance to various embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an exemplary tray attachment frame, inaccordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary tray for use with theexemplary tray attachment frame, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the exemplary tray in use with theexemplary tray attachment frame, in accordance with various embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiments of theadjustment member of the base frame, in accordance with variousembodiments.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicatessimilar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following description in combination with the Figures is provided toassist in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The descriptionis focused on specific implementations and embodiments of the teachings,and is provided to assist in describing the teachings. This focus shouldnot be interpreted as a limitation on the scope or applicability of theteachings.

Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1through 8 illustrate a utility rack system 10, which comprises a baseframe 20, a mounting member 30, an adjustment member, and one or moreadjustable legs 50. The mounting member 30 may be utilized to secure thebase frame 20 a vehicle 12, such as through use of a towing hitch 13.The base frame 20 is pivotally secured to the mounting member 30 suchthat it may pivot with respect thereto. The adjustment member 40 isutilized to adjust and lock the base frame 20 into various positionswith respect to the mounting member 30. The adjustable legs 50 may besecured beneath the frame 20. Various embodiments also include a widerange of attachments 80, 90, 100, 120, 130, 140 which may be removablysecured to the base frame 20 for supporting various items.

Base Frame

As best shown in FIGS. 1-3, the utility rack includes a base frame 20which is adapted to be removably secured to a vehicle 12, such asthrough use of a trailer hitch 13. The base frame 20 acts as a baseattachment point for a wide range of attachment devices which will bedescribed herein. It is appreciated that the structure, shape, size, andconfiguration of the base frame 20 may vary, and thus it should not beconstrued as being limited by the exemplary figures.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the base frame 20 comprises arectangular frame structure comprised of a pair of rectangular portions23, 24 which are linked together to form the overall frame 20. The firstportion 23 includes a first inner support 25 and the second portion 24includes a second inner support 26, the inner supports 25, 26 beingspaced apart from each other to define a centralized slot 27 into whichthe adjustment member 40 will be positioned as best shown in FIG. 3.

Each of the inner supports 25, 26 includes a plurality of apertures 28extending there across for use in locking the adjustment member 40 invarious locations within the slot 27.

While the present disclosure refers to the portions 23, 24 separately,it is appreciated that the base frame 20 may be integrally formed of aunitary structure. However, in some embodiments, the base frame 20 maybe comprised of discrete, interconnected structures.

The base frame 20 includes a first end 21 adapted to be secured to avehicle 12 and a second end 22 which, in some configurations, may beswung into various positions. A plurality of cross members 29 extendacross the base frame 20, parallel to its respective ends 21, 22. Thecross members 29 are utilized both the secure various attachment as wellas to mount the adjustable support legs SO as described herein. In mostembodiments, the cross members 29 will extend across the slot 27.

As best shown in FIG. 2, a stopper assembly 36 may be secured to thefirst end 21 of the base frame 20. The stopper assembly 36 may becomprised of a cross bar which will restrict full rotation of the baseframe 20 with respect to the mounting member 30. Thus, the stopperassembly 36 will cause the base frame 20 to rest in a lowered,horizontal state as shown in FIG. 2.

Mounting Member

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the utility rack includes a mountingmember 30 which is used to removably secure the base frame 20 to avehicle 12, such as through use of a trailer hitch 13. The mountingmember 30 extends from the first end 21 of the base frame 20 and may beintegrally formed with, or removably secured!, thereto.

A first end 31 of the mounting member 30 will be positioned at the firstend 21 of the base frame 20 and the second end 32 will be positionedoutward therefrom. The first end 31 includes a pivot aperture 34 throughwhich a pivot pin 35 extends such that the base frame 20 may pivot withrespect to the mounting member 30. The second end 32 will include areceiver opening 33 for interconnecting with a standard hitch 13.

The mounting member 30 includes a first linkage member 37 and a secondlinkage member 38 extending upwardly therefrom. The linkage members 37,38 are generally comprised of a bracket or clamp configuration whencombined so as to define a central slot

39. The adjustment member 40 is adapted to be secured within the slot 39between the linkage members 37, 38 as shown in the figures.

Adjustment Member

An adjustment member 40 can be included for aiding with the adjustmentand locking of the base frame 20 in various positioned with respect tothe mounting member 30. The base frame 20 may be positioned horizontallysuch as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, vertically as shown in FIG. 3, or atvarious locations therebetween. Thus adjustment of the base frame 20will allow for a wide range of attachments to be secured thereto.

As shown throughout the figures, the adjustment member 40 is generallycomprised of an elongated member such as a rod having a first end 42 anda second end 46. The first end 42 of the adjustment member 40 includes afirst pin 44 which will extend through both the adjustment member 40 aswell as the linkage members 37, 38 so as to allow the adjustment member40 to pivot within the slot 39 of the linkage members 37, 38 where it isremovably secured.

The second end 46 of the adjustment member 40 includes a second pin 48which may be extended through both the adjustment member 40 as well asthe desired apertures 28 of the inner supports 25, 26 to position theadjustment member 40 at various locations within the slot 27 of the baseframe 20. By locking the second end 46 of the adjustment member 40within various locations of the slot 27, the positioning of the baseframe 20 with respect to the mounting member 30 may be easily adjusted.FIG. 14 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the adjustment member 40in which it is hydraulically-operated. In such an embodiment, theadjustment member 40 will be comprised of a hydraulic cylinder which maybe operated by various hydraulic means, such as a pump.

Rather than using second pin 48 to attach the second end 46 ofadjustment member 40 to the base frame 20, in an alternate embodimentshown in FIG. 22, adjustment member 40 can include a loop 2202 at thesecond end 46. Receiving plate 2204 can be attached to the base frame 20between the first inner support 25 and the second inner support 26.Receiving plate 2204 can have a notch 2206 through which loop 2202 canbe inserted. Adjustment member 40 can be secured in place by inserting abolt, lock, clip hook, or the like through the loop 2202 while it isinserted through the notch 2206 in the receiving plate 2204.

Support Legs

As shown throughout the figures, the utility rack can include one ormore adjustable legs SG which may be utilized as a stand for the baseframe 20 so that it may rest in a horizontal position, such as is shownin FIG. 4. Each adjustable leg 50 includes an upper member 51 and alower member 54 linked by an adjustment rod 53.

In some embodiments, the upper member 51 will be threadably secured to afirst end of the adjustment rod 53 and the lower member 54 will bethreadably secured to a second end of the adjustment rod 53 such thatits effective length may be adjusted. The upper member 51 of theadjustable leg 50 includes a bracket 52 adapted to engage with the crossmembers 29 of the base frame 20 to secure the leg 50 thereto as bestshown in FIG. 4. The lower member 54 includes a foot 55 on which willrest on the ground.

When not in use, the legs 50 may be secured to the adjustment member 40through use of a leg retainer 49. Such a configuration is shownthroughout the figures and best shown in FIGS. 1-3. The legs 50 may bestacked on top of the adjustment member 40 and secured thereto with theretainer 49. A wide range of retainers 49 may be utilized, includingclamps, brackets, pins, bolts, straps, and the like.

Vehicle Receiver

A vehicle receiver 60 may be provided to interface between the baseframe 20 and the hitch 13 of the vehicle 12. The vehicle receiver 60aids with removably securing the mounting member 30 to a vehicle 12. Asbest shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle receiver 60 is comprised of arube-structure which may be comprised of various cross-sections,including without limitation square-and-circular-shaped cross-sections.

The outer width/circumference of the vehicle receiver 60 will preferablybe slightly smaller than the outer width/circumference of the mountingmember 30 so that the vehicle receiver 60 may frictionally engage withinthe receiver opening 33 of the mounting member 30. A channel 64 runsthrough the vehicle receiver 60 for alternate embodiments in which themounting member 30 instead fits within the vehicle receiver 60.

The vehicle receiver 60 includes a first bracket 61 and a second bracket62 extending outwardly from its respective first and second sides to aidin removably securing to the vehicle 13. The brackets 61, 62 may beremovably secured underneath the bumper or at various other locationsalong the outer frame of a vehicle 12 to act as an interface forsecuring the mounting member 30 thereto. An aperture 63 extendshorizontally through the body of the vehicle receiver 60 through which afastener may be extended to removably secure the vehicle receiver 60 tothe mounting member 30, which may include corresponding apertures asshown.

Connector Member

As best shown in FIG. 5, connector members 70 may be provided to aidwith securing various attachments to the base frame 20. Each connectormember 70 comprises a central portion 73 having an outer bracket 71extending from a first end thereof and an inner bracket 74 extendingfrom a second end thereof. The brackets 71, 74 are preferably verticallyoriented as shown in the figures.

The outer bracket 71 includes at least one aperture 72 and the innerbracket 74 similarly includes at least one corresponding aperture 75.The apertures 72, 75 of the respective brackets 71, 74 are preferablyaligned so that a fastener 84 may pass therethrough. Fasteners 84 whichare secured to various attachments 80 may be secured within theseapertures 72, 75 to secure the attachment 80 to the connector member 70,such as through usage of nuts 79 as shown in FIG. 5.

A retainer plate 76 is provided to engage with the connector member 70,wherein the retainer plate 76 and connector member 70, when assembled,will sandwich a cross member 29 therebetween. Any fasteners 84 extendingfrom the attachment 80 will extend through the aperture 72 of the outerbracket 71, the aperture 75 of the inner bracket 74 before extendingaround the cross member 29 and being terminated within the aperture 77of the retainer plate 76 and secured therein. Thus, an attachment 80 mayeasily be secured to and removed from the base frame 20.

First Storage Attachment

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a first storage attachment 80 for use with autility rack. The first storage attachment 80 is comprised of a storagebox which may be removably secured to the base frame 20, preferably whenin an upright position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

The first storage attachment 80 includes an outer end 81 which mayinclude an access door 82 providing access to an internal cavity inwhich various items may be stored. The inner end 83 of the first storageattachment 80 preferably includes one or more fasteners 84 which extendthrough the connector members 70 and retainer plate 76 to secure thefirst storage attachment 80 to the base frame 20 as shown in thefigures.

Tray Attachment

FIG. 7 illustrates a tray attachment 90 which may be removably securedto the base frame 20, preferably when the base frame 20 is in an uprightposition. While the figure illustrates the tray attachment 90 beingsecured to the lowermost cross member 29, it is appreciated that thetray attachment 90 may be secured to any of the cross members 29 of thebase frame 20. In some embodiments, multiple tray attachments 90 may besecured to a single base frame 20 by using multiple cross members 29.

The tray attachment 90 generally includes apertures through whichfasteners 91 may be extended which will be positioned on either side ofa cross member 29 of the base frame 20 before terminating into aretainer plate 76. Nuts 92 may be utilized to secure the fasteners 91within both the tray attachment 90 and the retainer plate 76 as shown inFIG. 7.

FIGS. 19, 20, and 21 illustrate an alternate tray attachment system 2100including a tray attachment frame 1900 and a tray 2000. Tray attachmentframe 1900 can be adapted to be removably secured to a utility rack withattachment devices 1902 and 1904. In the embodiment shown in thefigures, tray attachment frame 1900 can include rectangular framestructures 1906 and 1908 which are joined together at right angles toform the tray attachment frame 1900. Additionally, angled supportmembers 1910 and 1912 provide additional rigidity to the tray attachmentframe 1900. A plurality of support members 1914 can extend the depth ofrectangular frame structure 1906. Additional support members 1916 canextend the height of rectangular frame structure 1908. In variousembodiments, support members 1914 can be constructed substantiallysimilar to cross members 29 enabling the attachment of accessories totray attachment frame 1900.

Tray 2000 can include a tray portion 2002 and a retaining bracket 2004.In various embodiments, tray 2000 can be positioned on tray attachmentframe 1900 such that retaining bracket 2004 engages with a portion ofrectangular frame structure 1904. Additionally, tray 2000 can includeone or more eyelets (not shown) to align with eyelets (not shown) on thetray attachment frame 1900 such that a locking mechanism can be used tosecure tray 2000 to tray attachment frame 1900.

Ski/Snowboard Retainers

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate ski/snowboard retainers 100 which may beutilized with the utility rack to ease transport of skis or snowboards15. As shown in FIG. 8, generally a pair of retainers 100 will bepositioned on a single cross bar 29 in spaced-apart relationship tosecure a single snowboard 15 or set of skis therein.

As best shown in FIG. 9, each ski/snowboard retainer 100 comprises abase connector 101 having a pair of fasteners 102 extending therefrom ina first direction. An upper arm 105 and a lower arm 103 extend in asecond direction from the opposite side of the base connector 101 withrespect to the fasteners 102.

The lower arm 103 is fixedly secured to the base connector 101 andincludes a latch 104 or other linkage on its distal end. The upper arm105 is hingedly secured to the base connector 101 using a hinge 106 andincludes a corresponding locking member 107 on its distal end.

By positioning the ski or snowboard 15 between the upper and lower arms103, 105, lowering the upper arm 105 onto the lower arm 103 to sandwichthe snowboard 15 therebetween, and locking the locking member 107 withinthe latch 104, the snowboard 15 or ski may be secured therein. Thefasteners 102 will be positioned around a cross member 29 of the baseframe 20 and secured thereto using a retainer plate 79 as shown in FIG.8.

Second Storage Attachment

A second storage attachment 120 is illustrated in FIG. 10. The secondstorage attachment 120 is comprised of a storage box which may beremovably secured to the base frame 20. The second storage attachment121 includes an outer end 121 having an access door 122 providing accessto an internal compartment for storage of various items.

The inner end 123 of the second storage attachment 120 includes aplurality of retainer clips 124 which are adapted to removably receive amounting plate 125 which aids in securing the second storage attachment120 to the base frame 20. The mounting plate 125 includes a firstmounting bracket 126 having a pair of apertures 127 and a secondmounting bracket having its own pair of apertures 129 extending from arear end thereof.

The brackets 126, 128 are preferably vertically spaced-apart as shown inFIG. 10, though other configurations may be utilized. By using fastenersin connection with a retainer plate 79, the brackets 126, 128 may besecured to a cross member 29 of the base frame 20 to removably securethe second storage attachment 120 thereto.

Third Storage Attachment

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a third storage attachment 130 for use withthe utility rack. The third storage attachment 130 comprises a box 139which is removably secured to the base frame 20 through use of a pair ofretention brackets 131. Each retention bracket 131 comprises a verticalmember 132 and a horizontal member 133, the horizontal member 133extending from a lower end of the vertical member 132 as shown in FIG.12.

The vertical member 1132 includes a pair of fasteners 134 extendingtherefrom which, in combination with a corresponding locking plate 135,will be secured around a cross member 29′ of the base frame 20. Thelocking plate 135 will include apertures 136 through which the fasteners134 may extend and in which the fasteners 134 may be secured after beingpositioned around the cross member 29.

The horizontal member 133 includes a locking clip 137 positioned on anouter surface thereof as shown in FIG. 1I. Generally, a first retentionbracket 131 a will be secured to a first position on a single cross bar29 and a second retention bracket 131 b will be secured to a second,horizontally-spaced apart position on the same cross bar 29. The box 138is then positioned between the bracket s 131 a, 131 b to rest on theirrespective horizontal members 133 a, 133 b. The respective locking clips137 a, 137 b may be used to lock onto a corresponding locking extension139 which extends outwardly from either side of the box 138 to securethe box 138 within the retention brackets 131 a, 131 b.

Bike Retainers

As shown in FIG. 13, in various embodiments, bike retainers 140 can beused to secure a bike 16 to the base frame 20. The bike retainers 140include a pair of retention brackets 141, each having a vertical member142 and a horizontal member 144 extending outwardly from a lower end ofthe vertical member 142. A plurality of apertures 143 extend through thevertical member 142 for receiving fasteners 145 as shown in FIG. 13.

A locking plate 146 is provided such that the fasteners 145 may extendaround a cross bar 29 and be secured therearound by terminating withinapertures 147 of the locking plate. Preferably, a first retentionbracket 141 will be secured to a first cross bar 29 and a secondretention bracket 141 will be secured in vertically spaced-apartrelationship with the first retention bracket 141 on a second cross bar29. Each wheel of the bike 16 may then be positioned within one of thebrackets 141. A separate securing member 148, such as a U-shaped lock,may be utilized to secure the wheels of the bike 16 to the brackets 141,such as by using a separate locking plate 149 as shown.

Accessory Attachment Device

FIGS. 15 and 17 illustrate an embodiment of an attachment device 1500 inan open position (FIG. 15) and a closed position (FIG. 17). Attachmentdevice 1500 includes a cross member retainer 1502, a hinged brace 1504,and a latch 1506. In various embodiments, the cross member retainer 1502can be sized and shaped to receive the cross member. For example, thecross member may be a square steel tube, and the cross member retainer1502 may be shaped to fit at least partially around the square steeltube.

The hinged brace 1504 can include a hinge 1508 and an angled brace 1510.The angled brace 1510 can be attached to the hinge 1508 at a first end1512, and can be configured to couple to the latch 1506 at a second end1514. Additionally, the angled brace 1510 can include a bend 1516between the first end 1512 and the second end 1514. The angled brace1510 can be rotated between an open position where the bend 1516 ismoved away from the cross member retainer 1502 (FIG. 15) and a closedposition where the bend 1516 is moved towards the cross member retainer1502 (FIG. 17). When coupled with the cross member, the bend 1516 canpressably engage with the cross member to secure the cross member withinthe attachment device.

The latch 1506 can be attached to the cross member retainer 1502. Thelatch may rotate about pivot point 1518 between an open position and aclosed position where it can reversibly engage, using engagement portion1520, with the second end 1514 of hinged brace 1504 when the hingedbrace 1504 is in the closed portion. Latch 1506 can additionally includean adjustment mechanism 1522 to adjust the positioning of engagementportion 1520 to adjust the tension on hinged brace 1502. Latch 1506 canalso include eyelet 1524 that can be used to secure latch 1506 (and theattachment device 1500) in the closed position. In various embodiments,a lock can be placed through eyelet 1524 to prevent unauthorized openingof the attachment device 1500 and removal of an accessory from theutility rack.

FIGS. 16 and 18 illustrate another embodiment of an attachment device1600 in an open position (FIG. 16) and a closed position (FIG. 18).Attachment device 1600 includes a cross member retainer 1602, a hingedbrace 1604, and a latch 1606. Additionally, attachment device 1600includes a second cross member retainer 1608. In various embodiments,the cross member retainers 1602 and 1608 can be sized and shaped toreceive the cross member. For example, the cross member may be a squaresteel tube, and the cross member retainer 1602 and 1608 may be shaped tofit at least partially around the square steel tube. In variousembodiments, cross member retainers 1602 and 1608 can be positionedapart at a distance corresponding to the spacing of cross members in thebase frame. In this way, an accessory can be supported by two crossmembers, such that one cross member is engaged with cross memberretainer 1602 and the other cross member is engaged with cross memberretainer 1608.

The hinged brace 1604 can include a hinge 1610 and an angled brace 1612.The angled brace 1612 can be attached to the hinge 1610 at a first end1614, and can be configured to couple to the latch 1606 at a second end1616. Additionally, the angled brace 1612 can include a bend 1618between the first end 1614 and the second end 1616. The angled brace1612 can be rotated between an open position where the bend 1618 ismoved away from the cross member retainer 1602 (FIG. 16) and a closedposition where the bend 1618 is moved towards the cross member retainer1602 (FIG. 18). When coupled with the cross member, the bend 1618 canpressably engage with the cross member to secure the cross member withinthe attachment device.

The latch 1606 can be attached to the cross member retainer 1602. Thelatch may rotate about pivot point 1620 between an open position and aclosed position where it can reversibly engage, at engagement portion1622, with the second end 1616 of hinged brace 1604 when the hingedbrace 1604 is in the closed portion. Latch 1606 can additionally includean adjustment mechanism 1624 to adjust the positioning of engagementportion 1622 to adjust the tension on hinged brace 1602. Latch 1606 canalso include eyelet 1626 that can be used to secure latch 1606 (and theattachment device 1600) in the closed position. In various embodiments,a lock can be placed through eyelet 1626 to prevent unauthorized openingof the attachment device 1600 and removal of an accessory from theutility rack.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent tothose described herein can be used in the practice or testing, suitablemethods and materials are described above. All publications, patentapplications, patents, and other references mentioned herein areincorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed byapplicable law and regulations. Aspects of the present disclosure may beembodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit oressential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that thepresent embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are forconvenience only and have no Legal or limiting effect. Although only afew exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, thoseskilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications arepossible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing fromthe novel teachings and advantages of the embodiments of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to beincluded within the scope of the embodiments of the present disclosureas defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-functionclauses are intended to cover the structures described herein asperforming the recited function and not only structural equivalents, butalso equivalent structures.

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage system comprising: a utility rackhaving a base frame with a plurality of cross members extending acrossthe base frame; and an accessory including at least one attachmentdevice for attaching to at least one of the cross members, theattachment device including: a cross member retainer configured topartially retain a cross member and contact the cross member on multiplesides; a hinged brace having a bend with an apex, configured to movebetween an open position rotated away from the cross member retainer anda closed position rotated towards the cross member retainer andconfigured to press the apex against the cross member exterior to thebend; and a latch configured to lock the hinged brace in the closedposition and maintain a pressure of the hinged brace against the crossmember.
 2. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the utility rackfurther includes a mounting member for removably securing the base frameto a vehicle.
 3. The storage system of claim 2 wherein the utility rackincludes an adjustment member for locking the base frame in variouspositions with respect to the mounting member.
 4. The storage system ofclaim 2 wherein the rack further includes a plurality of adjustablesupport legs.
 5. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the rack isconfigured to attach to a wall.
 6. The storage system of claim 1 whereinthe accessory can be positioned in a first direction by sliding alongthe cross member when the hinged brace is in the open position.
 7. Thestorage system of claim 1 wherein the accessory can be position in asecond direction by moving between cross members.
 8. The storage systemof claim 1 wherein the accessory, when the hinged brace is in the closedposition and locked by the latch, is substantially prevented frommovement relative to the rack.
 9. The storage system of claim 1 whereinthe accessory includes a storage box.
 10. The storage system of claim 1wherein the accessory includes a board retainer.
 11. The storage systemof claim 1 wherein the accessory includes a bicycle retention bracket.12. The storage system of claim 1 wherein the accessory includes a trayattachment.
 13. An accessory for a storage system comprising at leastone attachment device for attaching the accessory to the storage system,the attachment device including: a cross member retainer configured topartially retain a cross member and contact the cross member on multiplesides; a hinged brace having a bend with an apex, configured to movebetween an open position rotated away from the cross member retainer anda closed position rotated towards the cross member retainer andconfigured to press the apex against the at least one cross memberexterior to the bend; and a latch configured to lock the hinged brace inthe closed position and maintain a pressure of the hinged brace againstthe at least one cross member.
 14. The accessory of claim 13 wherein theaccessory includes a storage box.
 15. The accessory of claim 13 whereinthe accessory includes a board retainer.
 16. The accessory of claim 13wherein the accessory includes a bicycle retention bracket.
 17. Theaccessory of claim 13 wherein the accessory includes a tray attachment.18. The accessory of claim 13 wherein the accessory can be positioned ina first direction by sliding along the cross member when the hingedbrace is in the open position.
 19. The accessory of claim 13 wherein theaccessory can be positioned in a second direction by moving betweencross members.
 20. The accessory of claim 13 wherein the accessory, whenthe hinged brace is in the closed position and locked by the latch, issubstantially prevented from movement relative to the rack.